Renewable Resources Are Reducing the Environmental Impact of Construction

The materials we use to build our homes and offices matter. As natural resources become scarcer, construction companies and material suppliers are turning to sustainable alternatives. The idea is to decrease environmental harm, yes — but these same materials also optimise how buildings perform.

Bamboo as a renewable resource

Unlike traditional hardwoods that need 20 to 60 years to mature, bamboo is ready to harvest in just three to five years. And harvesting bamboo is healthier for the planet. Research has shown that bamboo puts out 35% more oxygen than an equivalent plantation of trees, and that it can capture up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare.

From a performance standpoint, bamboo is incredibly strong. It surpasses steel in tensile strength and performs well under compression, showcasing its remarkable durability in various applications. Combined with recycled plastics in products like composite decking, bamboo produces construction materials that resist moisture and sun damage far better than traditional hardwood.

From plastic waste to lasting value

The World Economic Forum believes that by 2050, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by weight. Building manufacturers and suppliers hope to mitigate the problem by giving plastic waste a second life in construction materials.

When recycled plastics are used alongside bamboo fibres, they create composites that last for decades, and help keep plastics out of landfills and oceans. For every ton of plastic recycled into building materials, we save roughly 0.73 tons of carbon dioxide, or the same as taking a car off the road for 4,000 kilometres. Eva-Last recycles over 26,000 tons of plastic each year in the production of their products, and turn what would have been the equivalent of 800 million 2-litre plastic bottles into composite products.

Why prioritise responsible sourcing?

According to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), almost 40% of the world’s carbon emissions come from the building sector, with materials and construction accounting for 11% of the total.

Manufacturers, like Eva-Last, looking to reduce their footprint are designing products that create minimal waste during production. They also use materials like bamboo and recycled plastics, or other resources that need no chemical treatments throughout their lifespan. These composite products also bring a warm, natural feel to a space, with clean, contemporary lines that require minimal upkeep.

See how Eva-Last is leading the way in green building solutions by exploring our full range of sustainable products.